Seoul: The United Nations Command (UNC) has decided not to move forward with its proposed plan to form a brigade combining its border security and armistice enforcement operations following consultations with South Korea, as stated by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back. The announcement came after reports suggested that the UNC was considering creating a new brigade tasked with overseeing the Joint Security Area (JSA) in the border village of Panmunjom and enforcing the Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the existing structure sees the UNC's security battalion at Camp Bonifas in Paju, north of Seoul, protecting the JSA, while the secretariat of the Military Armistice Commission (MAC) at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, which is located about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, manages border entry approvals and investigations into armistice violations, among other functions. The UNC's reported plan aimed at consolidating these operations into a single brigade under the leadership of the MAC commander.
South Korea has voiced its opposition to the consolidation plan, as highlighted in the news reports. Minister Ahn mentioned during a press briefing that after discussions with the UNC, it was agreed that the establishment of the security brigade would not proceed, nor would there be any ceremony to mark its launch. When asked to clarify if this decision meant the brigade would not be established at all, Ahn confirmed that this was indeed the case.
Ahn refrained from disclosing whether he had communicated Seoul's objections directly to U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, who also serves as the UNC commander. He only noted that both parties engage in frequent meetings and communications. The defense ministry labeled the news reports as "untrue," opting not to confirm any specifics regarding discussions with the UNC.
Meanwhile, the UNC has not confirmed or clarified whether the brigade plan has been officially abandoned. It stated that it regularly reviews its organizational structure to ensure the effective execution of its core missions. The UNC emphasized that current planning involves an internal reorganization of existing resources without any increase in personnel, infrastructure, or capabilities on the Korean Peninsula.
Additionally, the UNC noted that it kept the South Korean government informed throughout the planning process. It stressed that the effort aims to enhance command and control, coordination, and support while upholding UNC's existing responsibilities under the 1953 Armistice Agreement.